22330: Acquiring Islamic knowledge from tapes

Are tapes regarded as one of the ways to gain knowledge? What is the best way to benefit from them?

Praise
be to Allaah.

Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih ibn ‘Uthaymeen
(may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked this question, and he replied
as follows:

No one doubts that these tapes are one
of the means of acquiring knowledge. We do not deny that Allaah has
blessed us through these tapes from which we have gained a great deal
of knowledge, because they have brought us the words of the scholars
no matter where they may be.

Here in our homes, there is a huge distance
between us and this scholar, but it is easy for us to hear his words
via this tape. This is one of the blessings that Allaah has bestowed
upon us. Indeed it is proof both for us and against us, for knowledge
has spread widely through these tapes.

With regard to how we may benefit from
them:

This depends on the situation of the
person himself. Some people may benefit from them whilst driving, others
may listen to them whilst eating lunch or dinner, or drinking coffee.

The point is that the way in which benefit
is derived from them depends on the individual himself; we cannot lay
down any general rules.